Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Prisoner of Zenda - C2 Rassendyll Arrives in Zenda

C2 : Rassendyll Arrives in Zenda

Rudolf takes a train to Zenda. The train stops in Paris for an hour and he meets a friend, George. He also meets Antoinette, a rich and beautiful widow who is also on her way to witness the coronation and to see Duke Michael, King Rudolf's brother. From George, he gets to know about Antoinette and Duke Michael.

The coronation has been brought forward. Realizing that Strelsau will be crowded, Rudolf decides to stay at Zenda that night and then travels to Strelsau on the morning of the coronation. He learns that that the King is not popular with the people as he does not spend time with them and is more interested in his leisure activities. The inn-keeper's daughter reveals that both King Rudolf and Black Michael want the throne as well as Princess Flavia. Then, Johann, The Duke's forest guard enters and is astonished at Rudolf's resemblance to the King.

The Prisoner of Zenda - C1 Rudolf Rassendyll

C1 : Rudolf Rassendyll

Rudolf is having breakfast at his brother's home (Lord Burlesdon's home). Lord Burlesdon's wife, Rose, is upset with Rudolf. She thinks he is wasting his time because he does not have a proper job. Rudilf has a good university education, he is proficient in English and German and he is good swordsman horseman. But Rudolf thinks that Rose is wrong. Lord Burlesdon then tells Rudolf about the job and Rudolf agrees. He has six months before he starts working. So, he decides to go Strelsau, the capital of Ruritania to witness the coronation of King Rudolf V.